MN: A year one apprenticeship – Jashari growing under Modric as crucial role beckons

Ardon Jashari was one of the most eagerly anticipated signings for AC Milan in recent times, but he is yet to carve out a starting role.

Given the length of negotiations with Club Brugge and the amount that Milan agreed to invest to land him (almost €40m, including bonuses), expectations for Jashari were very high when he arrived at the club in August.

Unfortunately, however, the serious injury at the end of August (a compound fracture of the right fibula after a collision in training with Santiago Gimenez) greatly complicated matters. MilanNews write that this can still be a useful first year for him.

An ‘apprenticeship’ year

The Swiss was forced to sit out for a long time, significantly slowing his adaptation both to Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical instructions and to Italian football in general, which is very different from the Belgian league.

Furthermore, during his time away, Allegri found the perfect formula in midfield. Luka Modric dictates the tempo in front of the defence, Adrien Rabiot flanks him to the left, and Youssouf Fofana has mostly been the physical presence on the right.

In the summer, when Modric arrived at Milanello, it was expected he would play as a box-to-box midfielder like at Real Madrid. After discussing his position with Allegri, the boss decided to place him in the deep-lying playmaker role.

With someone like Modric ahead of him, it’s difficult for Jashari to get consistent starts. Yet, on the contrary, Jashari must make the most of this season, learning as much as possible from a champion like the Croatian.

This is especially true because next year, with a return to European competitions likely, Milan will have many more games to play. If Modric were to renew, it is unthinkable that he would start them all, and that could be Jashari’s time to shine with a view to taking the reins full-time.